Neymar gets carried off the field in a stretcher after injuring his vertebrae (Reuters Photo)

"The best thing we do is play as a team and I just hope that whoever comes in plays well," the attacking midfielder said.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Spanish club Barcelona, had to be carried off on a stretcher and was replaced by defender Henrique for the final minutes of the game.Brazil captain Thiago Silva, who will also miss the semi-final after being booked on Friday, refused to blame Zuniga for the injury.

"Zuniga is not a bad guy. But at that moment he wasn't very prudent, he could have held up a bit, fouled in a different way."

He said now was the time for Brazil players to come closer together and show even more solidarity on the pitch.

"In those times it is when the team shows its strength," he said.

"Neymar is a very important guy for our group, we depend a lot on him. But potentially, this situation can mark a revolution for us, like 'let's win the Cup for Neymar'. This could help bring together the team even more," he said,

Many Brazil fans had gathered outside the Fortaleza hospital, shouting "Forca Neymar" (be strong Neymar) as the player was being wheeled into the building.

Neymar also received support from the country's president, Dilma Rousseff, who tweeted: "Like all Brazil I am one of those cheering from the sidelines for our star Neymar to get better."